MOST HELPFUL POSTS

Sally - posted on 04/29/2009

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The rewards are so worth it! I agree with all the mum comments-I commend the lactation consultant-there is lots of suppourt out there and it's pretty easy to find. Australian Breastfeeding Volunteers are very well trained and available 24/7. -Once you both get the hang of it it really is easier than sterilizing bottles, heating and carrying fomula, BUYING formula etc etc- And the nappies are much better 2.

You do become very thirsty and ravenously hungry but those pregnance kilos just fall of as well as breastmilk being better for bub.

Lots of reasons to give it your best shot- That being said there are a number of mum's out there that for whatever reason cant and that's why formula is available.

Yep, the first weeks are tough going. It definately gets easier as you go along. We don't know the reasons behind a persons decision, we shouldn't be so quick to judge. As long as we do what we know is best for our own child we can't go wrong.

I breastfed my two babies until they where 2, but the beggining wasn't easy. I wanted to cry, and I'd cringe at the thought that it was feeding time again. What helped me the most was the support from other moms, that kept telling me that the pain will go away, and that a wonderful relatioship with my baby was going to bloom thanks to breastfeeding. They were all right, and I feel really proud that I stuck to it, and enjoyed many months of cuddling with my little ones. (We still cuddle - the feeding) Give it a try, but don't feel bad if things don't work after trying many times, and if you struggle, talk to a lactation consultant at La Leche League.

If you end up using formula, is not the end of the world, your baby will be precious any way.

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Angela - posted on 06/06/2011

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knowing that formula is not best for my kidformula costs so much more moneyformula stinksformula causes stinky baby poopformula doesn't change depending on the time of day, whether the baby is sick or healthy, the age of the child, the temperature you're in...formula doesn't have anything made specifically for my childformula is based upon food made for baby cowsformula makes a lot of wasteformula doesn't help mom with cancer preventionformula doesn't help with family planningformula doesn't relieve the pressure in my breastsformula takes planning formula takes timeformula gives my hand a crampformula takes another hand away from doing something else worthwhileformula... oh Lord, I could go on forever!

Take it a day at a time. Remain determined. Don't take the first response from any medical professional who is trying to "relieve you" by having you use the powder to help you out.

Feed your baby on cue. Don't give pacifiers. Don't give bottles. Not until breastfeeding is established. Eat and drink every time you feed your baby. If it hurts, baby is latched improperly. If your supply is dwindling, formula will only inhibit it further. Keep feeding.

At first when I had my son I had so much milk it was crazy. My back was hurting and everything.. haha Eventually my milk started to go away and I was wondering why I couldn't keep up. He would need to feed every 15 min it seemed. I drank at ate everything right, but it was to the fact I was very stressed out the doctor said.. Right after i had him we had to move to a different place around base and I was also starting back school since I only had the days to give birth to him. My advice overall would be to avoid stress as much as possible. Along with also drinking and eating well.

My son is exclusively breastfed. Like you I heard all sorts of horror stories, about babies not wanting to latch, or pain. The first 3 days or so I had a little discomfort, after that it was not painful at all, I think it takes a few days for you and your baby to adjust. As for latching I never had any issues with my baby not wanting to latch, I made sure that the very first thing he did when he was born was nurse. I think if there is interference with nursing, or they are given a bottle too early it can cause problems:)) Good Luck!

You will figure out what is best for you and yours. There are many factors but even if you are breastfeeding, express (pump) also. This will give you the chance to let DADDY feed the little one and give you a break. Don't wait too long to try and introduce a bottle nipple though. If you don't they might not want anything except your nipple. Just express some and during feeding time take him off yours and give the bottle a bit or vise versa.

There are plenty of ways for Daddy to bond with a baby other than feeding. There is bathtime, diaper changes, playing, etc. Breastmilk, directly from the breast, is the best food for a child. Pumping and using bottles, esp. in the first few months of a nursing relationship can play merry hell with a mother's supply even to the point of negating it entirely.

A lot of it is having the right support system and knowledge about problems you may encounter so that you don't jump straight to formula. Now, don't get me wrong, formula has a place but it should be a method of absolute last resort. I breastfed for 18 months and between the breastfeeding community on LJ, http://kellymom.com and the medication forum for Dr. Thomas Hale I was able to conquer just about any problem that came my way in my breastfeeding relationship. Best wishes to you!

Just remember that it is not natural or easy at first. You have to work at it. Like many have already said, a support system is key. The nurses at the breastfeeding clinic in my city were my life line for the first 8 weeks. I went weekly to see them, just for reassurance. I also met other moms at the clinic and we got to be friends and would get together. Promise yourself to keep going for 6 weeks. By then, you will have got the hang of it. You will survive growth spurts, sore nipples, and confusion. Happens to us all, but just keep asking questions from nurses and friends before you give up!

Just because it CAN be hard doesnt make it "unnatural". How bizarre, how much more natural can it get?

2) Women have been nursing their babies since the dawn of our existence. This logic gave me confidence in both my birth and sustaining my daughters life.

There are women that cant nurse their babies, which is hard and its not a choice.

There's arguments that bottle feeding is "easier" which seems totally silly to me. You have to buy formula, mix it, heat it, store it, etc. Nursing you just have to pull out your booby.

And it is the perfect thing to give your baby. Your body makes a custom perfect milk just for your baby. Specially designed for what your baby needs. Pretty sweet I think. All those good antibodies and fats and the bond that you have with your baby. Hell yeah.

That being said; for me breastfeeding my daughter for the first week was excruciating. Excruciating. I had flat nipples and it was like having my skin peeled off every time she nursed. They had blisters, and blood blisters.

But it never once crossed my mind to give up. Wasn't an option for me. I just really really hoped it would get better. And it did. My nipples aren't flat anymore (haha) and my daughter and I have such sweet moments together when she nurses.

GOod for you for choosing to breastfeed!! It truly is wonderful once you get it figured out. For my son and me, it was just a matter of getting a good latch and then we were smooth sailing from there. My husband and I took a class before he was born, because I was unsuccessful with my first son and determined to breastfeed my second. With the help of a wonderful health nurse who did my first week visit to my home, I was able to establish a wonderful nursing relationship.

That said, it is not easy. Some moms have it really easy, getting babies who eat only every few hours. My son nursed every 2 hours and only switched that to about 3 hours overnight. I think it's so much easier than warming bottles and mixing formula (I've had to wean him for my own medical reasons and I hate it--it's such a pain using bottles and I really miss our bond.) It can be inconvenient but is the best thing for your baby. :)

Do whatever feels right to you, and don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out as planned. I only managed 5 months of breastfeeding and required a "bionic boob" to get it right (thats a nipple shield in mom-speak), and I wouldn't even attempt it without one, personally. Have a tall glass of something to drink (nothing with caffeine though) while you're busy and just enjoy the time bonding with your baby. I come from the breed that believe we're evolved to take care of our young and even with formula's and supplements, breast milk is still the best thing for your baby. Good luck!!

DD had a really hard time latching correctly. It was so frustrating for both of us. It took about 10 days before we were really good at it. Then she needed more than I was producing so by the time I went back to work she was on formula.

With my twins, I would pump and feed. They quickly outpaced my supply and by 6 weeks, no sleep and dwindling supply caused me to give up.

When my son was born, I went straight to formula. I wish that I would have at least tried to breast feed, now. My mother in law scared me away from it because of her bad experiences. I think that a mother should have at least try, not only for the baby but for yourself as well.

When my son was born, I went straight to formula. I wish that I would have at least tried to breast feed, now. My mother in law scared me away from it because of her bad experiences. I think that a mother should have at least try, not only for the baby but for yourself as well.

find "la leche league" in your area. they are in the phone book. while my nipples were soooo sore at first, once you get past that point the rewards are enormous. for you and baby. baby's health of course but it is easy to nurse them. no dishes. no running out. no heating in the middle of the night. and the bonding. wow!!! i cannot recommend this strongly enough. you do have to educate yourself though about breasts and lactating and proper support under your arm that holds baby so you can relax or your milk won't "let down" (this is the let down REFLEX) bet you didn't know that is a reflex you have!! well worth the learning curve.

You will figure out what is best for you and yours. There are many factors but even if you are breastfeeding, express (pump) also. This will give you the chance to let DADDY feed the little one and give you a break. Don't wait too long to try and introduce a bottle nipple though. If you don't they might not want anything except your nipple. Just express some and during feeding time take him off yours and give the bottle a bit or vise versa.

At the beginning you should try not to introduce a bottle at least for the first couple of months because of "nipple confusion". Although it was hard enough for me to get him latched on for a month. I did pull out the bottle a couple of times. You have to go with your instincts and survival skills. It's hard when you have a screaming baby who can't calm down to get latched. He does not however take a bottle from either me or my husband anymore. Only the daycare provider. You never know with babies! I think it is nice for the baby to be able to accept both. That seems like a good idea on the last sentence Holly posted.

You will figure out what is best for you and yours. There are many factors but even if you are breastfeeding, express (pump) also. This will give you the chance to let DADDY feed the little one and give you a break. Don't wait too long to try and introduce a bottle nipple though. If you don't they might not want anything except your nipple. Just express some and during feeding time take him off yours and give the bottle a bit or vise versa.

You will figure out what is best for you and yours. There are many factors but even if you are breastfeeding, express (pump) also. This will give you the chance to let DADDY feed the little one and give you a break. Don't wait too long to try and introduce a bottle nipple though. If you don't they might not want anything except your nipple. Just express some and during feeding time take him off yours and give the bottle a bit or vise versa.

It took my son a good month and a half before he got good at latching. It would take me 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours to get him latched on. It was very stressful and I felt like giving up a lot, but I stuck with it knowing that he would eventually get it. I knew that he was getting a lot of benefits from the breast milk. It is the best nutrition source for your baby. Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. There is nothing better for the health of your baby. Leukocytes are living cells that are only found in breast milk. They help fight infection. It is the antibodies, living cells, enzymes, and hormones that make breast milk ideal. These cannot be added to formula. A lot of women who think they can not breast feed actually can.

I went back to work when my baby was 2 months old and I pump at work. I have a refrigerator at work so I can store my breast milk there and when I pick my son up I give the caregiver the milk for the next day. I do get tired of pumping at work, but I just think that if I stop breastfeeding he won't be getting all that good stuff that he needs. I hope you choose to breast feed!

oh by the way..i think the mom's that just put their babies on formula are just afraid to breastfeed or just feel that it's easier not to breastfeed. they are right, it is much easier to just make a bottle. but it's a fact that breast milk is always better. both are fine for the baby but i think breastfeeding is worth it. there is help for people who have trouble with it too. i sometimes go to a breastfeeding class at the hospital where i delivered.

Actually thats not true im only 16 and i really wanted to breastfeed i tried for 5 days to latch my baby to my breast but unfortunatly i have flat nipples and hes was gettting so frustrated i got a lot of help but it was going no where and i also had a lot of milk !! i eventually gave up on trying to breast feed and expressed milk, but i became rely weary of my milk because breast pads would last literaly 2 mins before it would show through my top, my milk has died down now its been 5 weeks but it still hasn't gone, breastfeed it you can but dont slate everyone theyve got really reasons one way or another !

Lauren that is NOT true how could you even say that ?? lots of moms out there try and breastfeed and cant , they either dont have enough milk or the baby wont latch on !!! i tried to breastfeed my son i even went to get help with breastfeeding my son , and he wouldnt latch on , i tried nipple shields and he still wouldnt latch on , so dont say bottles are easier because im telling you they are NOT easier , i would find it easier just to whip out my boob then boil the water and sanatize the bottles!! .

Lauren - I think that is a very mean thing to say. All through my pregnancy, breastfeeding was one of the things I was looking forward to the most. I couldn't wait to bond in such a close way with my baby, and to see her thrive on something that I had given her. I went to breastfeeding classes, and truely believed that breast is best. Things didn't turn out that way though. Due to medical reasons (which I don't really want to go into) I was unable to do so, and I was absolutely heart broken. I felt for a long time that I had failed my daughter, even though it wasn't my fault. Every time I would go to play group, I would feel like I was being judged by the mothers there (most of whom breastfed) in the way you have just done. I went to a breastfeeding cafe with my best friend and her baby and was asked to leave as I used a bottle and they 'didn't wish to promote that type of feeding'. Every woman has the right to choose whether to breast or bottle feed; I know I have just said that 'breast is best' but that is my own personal opinion, and I would never judge or presume to tell another mother that she is too lazy to breastfeed. After all, you don't know the circumstances behind their decision. Oh by the way........bottle feeding is NOT easier; despite what you may think. For a start, there isn't half as much help out there for bottle feeders. I know thats because health organisations try to encourage breast feeding, but like I said, at the end of a day its the actual mothers opinions that count, not yours.

go for it girl. It's the most amazing feeling - you're doing what nature intended, it has enormous health benefits for you and the baby. Yes, sure, it takes a bit of practice, but with your positive attitude, you'll master it. Even if your milk doesn't come in straightaway (mine took 5 days both times), breastfeed first, and only top up if you really need to. that way baby is hungry when you put him to the breast, and this will stimulate the milk. it's all supply and demand really! I would say - eat well, because you need enough calories for your own needs and also for the baby. You really do need to keep your strength up!

i have breast feed all 5 of my kids and the best advise i can give is if you want to breastfeed all it takes is presistance. it can be quite challanging in the begining as you both learn to do it. can get a bit stress full as in the begininng the little ones tend to want to be on the boob all the time and you wonder y r they still hungery he/she has been on for ages but it just takes time as breast feeding is new for them to and both get better as time gos on. it so worth while. i find a lot off ppl give up to soon.

Two words: Nipple Shield.... Saves you from so much pain... I only used it when it seemed unbearable... but it helps shape things and made latching on much easier... they cost like 5 bucks at target... Saved my life....

do as much reading as you can before you have your baby and/or take a class, as well as any help you can get from a lactation consultant at the hospital. the more prepared you are, the easier it will be.

It's actually is not that hard once you get used to it. If I had'nt started going back to work i would have breastfed my child a lot longer than i have. I did it for 9 months. besides, it'll be beneficial for the baby and you. BTW, it saved me a lot of money. i used washable breastpads at home and disposables when i go out. some nipple ointment for the pain. Make sure you eat lots of fruits and veggies, drink lots of water, hearty soups...lots of liquids. I also breastfed when my baby woke up hungry at night so if you're doing this too make sure you get lots of sleep while you can cuz sometimes it really tiring. but then, its for the baby... in the end, it's really fulfilling knowing that you are giving your child something that's irreplaceable.

I am breastfeeding my son who is now 4 months old. I just pump then bottle feed. It's a lot of work and I miss just letting him latch on but he had thrush and he just underwent heart surgery, so it was what was best for him. Just keep trying and do whats comfortable for you. I would set a goal of about two months to try, then see how it works. You will have difficult nights, but whe the baby latches on it is so enjoyable to feel needed and to know that you are the only one who can care for him/her this way. There is a special bond formed from breast feeding. And it is so easy to just pop them on at night. Just think of all the benifits first, and don't give up right away. you can always go to formula, but you can't always go back to breast milk. :)

If you're determined to do it, you will be fine. I have breastfed three kids, and have had a relatively easy time of it. I would neve judge those who choose to bottle feed, but I can't imagine anyone would think it would easier to bottle feed! I would only offer these two 'tips': switch positons as often as you can. The ducts can get clogged up fairly easily if your baby is nursing in such a way that they are not getting stimulated and THAT hurts. And, even if your baby is wailing like a car alarm at 3 a.m., take the extra few minutes to take care of anything YOU need before you settle in for nursing. I can't tell you how many times I sat there needing to use the bathroom or feeling like I was sucking on sand because I felt compeled to lock him in asap! good luck.

If you're determined to do it, you will be fine. I have breastfed three kids, and have had a relatively easy time of it. I would neve judge those who choose to bottle feed, but I can't imagine anyone would think it would easier to bottle feed! I would only offer these two 'tips': switch positons as often as you can. The ducts can get clogged up fairly easily if your baby is nursing in such a way that they are not getting stimulated and THAT hurts. And, even if your baby is wailing like a car alarm at 3 a.m., take the extra few minutes to take care of anything YOU need before you settle in for nursing. I can't tell you how many times I sat there needing to use the bathroom or feeling like I was sucking on sand because I felt compeled to lock him in asap! good luck.

Support and lots of patience. I fed my first son about 5 mins after he was born and had no problems with it. I prefer breastfeeding, think of all the $ you will save by NOT buying formula. Plus, no warming up bottles in the middle of the night either. For me, it wasn't a question of what was better or easier, it was just what I was comfortable with. If you are determined and have support, you should have no problem breastfeeding you baby.

Support and lots of patience. I fed my first son about 5 mins after he was born and had no problems with it. I prefer breastfeeding, think of all the $ you will save by NOT buying formula. Plus, no warming up bottles in the middle of the night either. For me, it wasn't a question of what was better or easier, it was just what I was comfortable with. If you are determined and have support, you should have no problem breastfeeding you baby.

Support and lots of patience. I fed my first son about 5 mins after he was born and had no problems with it. I prefer breastfeeding, think of all the $ you will save by NOT buying formula. Plus, no warming up bottles in the middle of the night either. For me, it wasn't a question of what was better or easier, it was just what I was comfortable with. If you are determined and have support, you should have no problem breastfeeding you baby.

Support and lots of patience. I fed my first son about 5 mins after he was born and had no problems with it. I prefer breastfeeding, think of all the $ you will save by NOT buying formula. Plus, no warming up bottles in the middle of the night either. For me, it wasn't a question of what was better or easier, it was just what I was comfortable with. If you are determined and have support, you should have no problem breastfeeding you baby.

With my first son it was difficult because I was still in high school but I felt it was important to try so I did for one month. With my second son he was born with the H-Flu so he was put into icu for a few weeks. Because I wasn't able to be there as offen as I wanted to be I would pump and take the milk and inbetween the nurses would give supplements. After I brought him home he was used to a bottle. So I did that for 2 months after that it really got to be to much. I would have rather of done more with the both of them but with the situations I wasn't able to. I guess what ever will work best for you and your situation. I do recommend to at least try..

I think it is great that you are determined, because it may be challenging in the beginning. I wanted to breast feed both of mine, but due to other issues, this was not something that worked out for us. However, I never gave up on giving my babies the best. I pumped breast milk and they drank it from a bottle. I can tell you that both of mine definitely preferred the breast milk to formula and it does have obvious health benefits. I agree with a previous poster who mentioned that all you have to do is ask for help and there is an unlimited supply of information and support. Determination and patience are key. Good Luck

Pure determination. I wanted/want (I'm currently BFing my 7wk old) my sons to have the absolute best. Formula is very expensive and really not that good for your baby, so that was a big push in me continuing when it was extremely painful. Also my 2yr old wouldn't take a bottle.

I dont know if it is a matter of "getting thru" as such.....you can either do it or you cant, you either choose to do it or you dont....there are many many reasons for both choices but in the end give it a go and if you like it thats great, if you dont well formula is full of nutrition and readily available. I did both. They both had their ups and downs. Good luck with your baby..

Breast feeding is awesome it isn't hard if you stick with it...the first week is hard getting used to it and it hurts like hell but in the long run its awesome..you get bonding that is very important its an awesome experience even if you do it only for a little bit it still benefits your baby GOOD LUCK!

I would not be breastfeeding today without the support of the Breastfeeding Association. I had multiple issues interfering with the so called natural process and only support, guidance, determination and hard work got me through.

Bub was given formula in the hospital to counteract jaundice and dehydration under the UV lights. This and my flat nipples made it hard work to get baby to take the breast since the bottle gives the milk instantly and my little one doesn't like waiting a whole ten seconds for the milk to come down.

So it was nipple shields and expressing via electric pump for six weeks, eight times a day.

It is hard in the beginning, probably for the first 2-3 weeks, but if you are determined and have lots of support and help it does get easier. My son is 13 month now and I'm still nursing him, only in the am and before bed. If your milk supply gets low just start pumping, that's what I did and it helped.

The only thing that helped me get through the first few weeks of bleeding nipples and a baby who wouldnt latch properly, was sheer determination and support from my family... knowing that it was the best for her and that I was willing to go through the pain to make sure she was healthy was what made me stick to my guns! I just told myself there was not another option, and that it would be worth it in the end. and it DEFINITELY was!!

The only thing that helped me get through the first few weeks of bleeding nipples and a baby who wouldnt latch properly, was sheer determination and support from my family... knowing that it was the best for her and that I was willing to go through the pain to make sure she was healthy was what made me stick to my guns! I just told myself there was not another option, and that it would be worth it in the end. and it DEFINITELY was!!

What helped me through breastfeeding, was that i kept seeing my daughter and how greatful she was. Also i kept telling myself that this is one sacrifice that i must make so my daughter can have the best opportunity to a healthy development. I just kept saying, she will be smart and healthy. I was right....she wasn't sick ever for the entire year that i breastfeed her!!!! and to this day i will never regret doing it because it is a huge accomplishment that i have!!! If you ever have a problem call the hospital were you had your child delivered and speak to the Lactation specialist!! she helped me through this wonderful experience!!! good luck you can do it!! don't give in to that powder crap!! your child will thank you later!!!

What helped me through breastfeeding, was that i kept seeing my daughter and how greatful she was. Also i kept telling myself that this is one sacrifice that i must make so my daughter can have the best opportunity to a healthy development. I just kept saying, she will be smart and healthy. I was right....she wasn't sick ever for the entire year that i breastfeed her!!!! and to this day i will never regret doing it because it is a huge accomplishment that i have!!! If you ever have a problem call the hospital were you had your child delivered and speak to the Lactation specialist!! she helped me through this wonderful experience!!! good luck you can do it!! don't give in to that powder crap!! your child will thank you later!!!